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I was going through another topic, "Decline of Hobby Shops" and felt I could not relate to some of what was there...I am not about to pay extra to keep anybody in business, whether it is a local hobby shop, Lionel or whoever. Maybe that's just me though. 

Having said that, whether you buy old tinplate or new tinplate, I thought it might me interesting to see where folks are finding/buying it from nowadays. 

For me, I really don't buy anything new, mostly all prewar, some early postwar and I would break down my overall collection like the chart below. 

Now, I am not a math major (amounts below add up to 100%) and not a computer tech person (more like a dinosaur), but I found an online website that makes free pie charts and somehow was able to make this which I think is a pretty neat & accurate representation of where I purchased my prewar trains from over time: 

Tom's Prewar Chart

For me, eBay has been a valuable resource. I would not have what I have today if it was not for eBay. My favorite local hobby shop went out of business maybe around the year 2000 after several moves within Westchester County (NY). I'm sure the (at least) 3 different locations they had didn't help. A local antiques store owner sold my wife a beaten up postwar #2037 steamer in 1994 which got me back into the hobby. The owner passed away a few years ago and the store is different than it used to be. 

Without eBay, where else could I have found a gem like this to work on: 

IMG_0370

In my opinion, only eBay (which is where I found it) or an under the table bin at a train show would bother to carry something like this. 

So where are others buying their old or new tinplate from? 

Tom

 

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Last edited by PRR8976
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pretty much the same for me Tom. I had one local (20 minutes) hobby shop that carried trains, but not much. It was a joke, not real people oriented, closed up several years ago. Next was 45 minutes, real good hobby shop, not a ton of old stuff, but still worth the drive. Closed up a few years ago. Next is about 10 minutes from the last, a decent amount of used, worth the drive usually. My favorite is Lou Palumbo's place, but he's a good hour and a half, so I don't get up there very often. Local shows had been few and far between. So mostly e bay. There has been a really good show an hour away I've been getting too, up to two shows in the late winter/early spring. And have found some gems on the forum lately.

I'm a newbie to tinplate yet have been active in the hobby for the last 5-7 years. I have to say that most of my recent purchases have been online either through EBay or online auctions. I have been satisfied with both. Local hobby shops in my area are always selling stuff at MSRP prices. If I happen to get to know the 'train' guy they will give me a discount but not as much as the online price. The only advantage here is that you can pick it up and take it home that day. I have picked up some items at the trains shows but most of the dealers there are all offering the same stuff.  To wrap it up it's Ebay or auctions....times have changed .....

Ebay, and a few from the sale page on this forum.  On occasion I will pick stuff up at antique stores etc.  Used to buy stuff from hobby shops when available.  Long time ago, like early 80's used to buy some trains at the Ft Lauderdale Flea Market and the Margot Flea Market in South Fla.  Neat stuff there some times. Never been to York.  Bought from a some of the Great Train Shows  and  so forth.  I guess I am equal opportunity.

 

I buy a lot on eBay and sometimes from the same sellers. Trainz sells on eBay too. I also buy on this forum and will be attending York. I also buy MTH tinplate from forum sponsors with websites. There are a few that are well stocked. There is also a train store in St Louis that specializes in postwar and prewar items. We have three good hobby shops in the Chicago area and a couple in Wisconsin, but not too much tinplate at those.

George

I do not use the "bay" for any train purchases! I prefer new and shiny repros: Lionel Classics & early MTH Tinplate Traditions. Had problems with paint finish on several LCT items, so no more dealings with them! Favorite dealers are Grzysboski's, Ready to Roll, Western Depot, Sidetracks and Roundhouse South. I have also purchased from some OGR Forum members.

Last edited by Tinplate Art

I buy wherever find it.  Left western Pa. and my antique shop friend so lately it has been a little at shows and the forum. Not buying as much as before but still like to look. Really like the shows, like to see what I am buying and interacting with the seller. No e Bay, no auctions and nothing at stores. A shame hobby shops  are fading away but old age and  mediocre  business practices are catching up.

I'm in White Plains, NY and we are so luck to have a great store, Tom's Trains. I buy 75% of my new trains from him and by that I mean Legacy trains. All my engines come from him! I may pay extra not sure but, its the service and lack of bouncing in a truck is another reason. But there are so many train stores in the metro area we are spoiled, Train Land, Nassau Hobby, The Train Station, etc...My postwar can come from Tom, Ebay. I go to Pennsylvania a lot and hit Nicholas Smith and Hennings when in Philly!.

I am curious what store in Westchester you were talking about that closed in 2000?

Last edited by Cincytrains

As an addendum, two Thursday's ago I was in Philly and hit Hennings. They have a FANTASTIC parts and repair department. They had a new MPC driver for my Blue Comet, couldn't believe it. But, while I was waiting one of there employee's was working on parts orders. He had about 20 sheets of people's orders and he said it is like that every day. This was just an observation.

I agree with EBay. There are only a few train shops in my area and they mostly sell new stuff. I haven't been to a show in quite some time but may try one again. Sadly since neither my wife or I drive we will probably never make it to York. George (or anyone else) can you give me  the info on that shop in St. Louis that has older stuff? I might be in that area this summer.

 

thanks

Cincytrains posted:

I'm in White Plains, NY and we are so luck to have a great store, Tom's Trains. I buy 75% of my new trains from him and buy that I mean Legacy trains. All my engines come from him! I may pay extra not sure but, its the service and lack of bouncing in a truck is another reason. But there are so many train stores in the metro area we are spoiled, Train Land, Nassau Hobby, The Train Station, etc...My postwar can come from Tom, Ebay. I go to Pennsylvania a lot and hit Nicholas Smith and Hennings when in Philly!.

I am curious what store in Westchester you were talking about that closed in 2000?

Hey, Have not heard from you in a while...I know not many were fans of Trent's Trains (in Tuckahoe, NY in the mid-1990's, then Harney Road in Scarsdale, then renamed to something else on Scarsdale/Yonkers area). So, Trent's Trains was really my first train store when I got back into the hobby in 1994. Started off with a 1615 postwar switcher and eventually a Williams brass B6 switcher from them with other things in-between. I may have been the only customer that actually liked the store...mostly from when they were in Tuckahoe. After they started moving around I bought less. I think I bought just as much from the antique store. 

I know Tom's Trains is a good store because I've been in there a few times, but I'm not buying much nowadays and I never thought they had too much of a selection of old stuff, especially pre-war, but that's just my observations. I know many customers that like them, including friends of mine, for new stuff and they have a well deserved reputation. 

Tom 

Yes Tom's is primarily a "new" trainstore.  But, he has some great postwar, I was there today. He also has a gorgeous Flying Yankee that looks perfect. I remember Trent's Train, I remember his father had it in the early 90's. I went to the store on Harney rd. when I used to visit my parents. I heard a lot of rumors about him skipping town etc. when he had the Yonkers store.

MNCW posted:
Cincytrains posted:

I'm in White Plains, NY and we are so luck to have a great store, Tom's Trains. I buy 75% of my new trains from him and buy that I mean Legacy trains. All my engines come from him! I may pay extra not sure but, its the service and lack of bouncing in a truck is another reason. But there are so many train stores in the metro area we are spoiled, Train Land, Nassau Hobby, The Train Station, etc...My postwar can come from Tom, Ebay. I go to Pennsylvania a lot and hit Nicholas Smith and Hennings when in Philly!.

I am curious what store in Westchester you were talking about that closed in 2000?

Hey, Have not heard from you in a while...I know not many were fans of Trent's Trains (in Tuckahoe, NY in the mid-1990's, then Harney Road in Scarsdale, then renamed to something else on Scarsdale/Yonkers area). So, Trent's Trains was really my first train store when I got back into the hobby in 1994. Started off with a 1615 postwar switcher and eventually a Williams brass B6 switcher from them with other things in-between. I may have been the only customer that actually liked the store...mostly from when they were in Tuckahoe. After they started moving around I bought less. I think I bought just as much from the antique store. 

I know Tom's Trains is a good store because I've been in there a few times, but I'm not buying much nowadays and I never thought they had too much of a selection of old stuff, especially pre-war, but that's just my observations. I know many customers that like them, including friends of mine, for new stuff and they have a well deserved reputation. 

Tom 

I bought my first O gauge trains from Trent's Trains in Tuckahoe back in 1995. I believe the owner's name was Gene. He helped me very much with all my novice questions. I really liked him and he had a phenomenal knowledge of old O gauge and Standard gauge trains. His son Eric wound up taking over the business, moved it and started selling more RC items than trains. They probably closed a good ten years ago now.

Gerry posted:
MNCW posted:
Cincytrains posted:

I'm in White Plains, NY and we are so luck to have a great store, Tom's Trains. I buy 75% of my new trains from him and buy that I mean Legacy trains. All my engines come from him! I may pay extra not sure but, its the service and lack of bouncing in a truck is another reason. But there are so many train stores in the metro area we are spoiled, Train Land, Nassau Hobby, The Train Station, etc...My postwar can come from Tom, Ebay. I go to Pennsylvania a lot and hit Nicholas Smith and Hennings when in Philly!.

I am curious what store in Westchester you were talking about that closed in 2000?

Hey, Have not heard from you in a while...I know not many were fans of Trent's Trains (in Tuckahoe, NY in the mid-1990's, then Harney Road in Scarsdale, then renamed to something else on Scarsdale/Yonkers area). So, Trent's Trains was really my first train store when I got back into the hobby in 1994. Started off with a 1615 postwar switcher and eventually a Williams brass B6 switcher from them with other things in-between. I may have been the only customer that actually liked the store...mostly from when they were in Tuckahoe. After they started moving around I bought less. I think I bought just as much from the antique store. 

I know Tom's Trains is a good store because I've been in there a few times, but I'm not buying much nowadays and I never thought they had too much of a selection of old stuff, especially pre-war, but that's just my observations. I know many customers that like them, including friends of mine, for new stuff and they have a well deserved reputation. 

Tom 

I bought my first O gauge trains from Trent's Trains in Tuckahoe back in 1995. I believe the owner's name was Gene. He helped me very much with all my novice questions. I really liked him and he had a phenomenal knowledge of old O gauge and Standard gauge trains. His son Eric wound up taking over the business, moved it and started selling more RC items than trains. They probably closed a good ten years ago now.

A good Saturday at Trent's was (for me at least) being able to stare at his wall of used toy trains, when they were in Tuckahoe. 

Tom 

Tom,

   I purchase a lot at the Train shows, especially Engines and Tenders in perfect shape.  We have a lot of Train Shows here in the Pittsburgh, Pa area, along with some nice Antique Shops.

 I also purchase from other forum members, who have original Lionel Rolling Stock, like I picked up from Jim Lawson.  Finally I will purchase Rolling Stock off the Bay, if it looks really pristine.  Most of my really nice original rolling stock comes from the Train Shows and Antique Shops.  

My newer Tin, when I see something I really like, comes from all the big companies, from Pat's in WVa, Western Depot in Ca, and other local stores like Brady's, Lenny's along with Bill & Walts for original Lionel stuff, all here in the Pittsburgh, Pa area.  

Can't even begin to explain how much I miss the old Iron Horse and Jim's Train Shop also.

PCRR/Dave

Last edited by Pine Creek Railroad

Part of the fun of pre and early post war trains is the search.  Finding something in the flesh that you really like, want and need (??) then doing the deal. I bought my Lionel 402E engine and a Raleigh, NC show, not real big, but I knew I wanted to get it. Needed work and there was a guy there who took it home and did a nice job fixing it up.  Buying  big box of Standard gauge cars (14) at a Pittsburgh show for about $12 each was a high for me.

I live in South Jersey and up until about 10 or 15 years ago I had at least five good Hobby shops where I did all of my shopping.  Nevertheless, when looking for that periodic most desired piece I often times came up empty handed especially if it was a prized prewar or postwar item.  When these sources dried up I began searching the internet for sales as well as E-Bay.  The product which became available was practically dizzying.  Items which I could never find have been available in huge amounts and if  I searched long enough most of the time at a very good price.   In short E-Bay and internet sales and auctions have been a God send for me.  I miss my local hobby shops terribly and the great companionship they offered but price wise and product wise they really couldn't compete.  I also have purchased many items at York and Allentown but they come only twice a year and if I normally want something I want it now.  E-Bay and the internet fill that void nicely.  

You would think living in the Lancaster, Pa area, 20 minutes from the TCA museum would be a mecca for tinplate. If it is, I haven't found it yet or perhaps someone could enlighten me.  Cool Trains and Strasburg Train shop are the only two who have survived. B&E Junction in York was a good place to stop but is now closed for good.

York & Timonium, MD. shows, E-bay, OGR forum, train shop,occasional antique store find- pretty much in that order. The York show is a must for me- gotta stock up on parts and projects for the next six months till the next show!

 

John H. Shetler posted:

You would think living in the Lancaster, Pa area, 20 minutes from the TCA museum would be a mecca for tinplate. If it is, I haven't found it yet or perhaps someone could enlighten me.  Cool Trains and Strasburg Train shop are the only two who have survived. B&E Junction in York was a good place to stop but is now closed for good.

York & Timonium, MD. shows, E-bay, OGR forum, train shop,occasional antique store find- pretty much in that order. The York show is a must for me- gotta stock up on parts and projects for the next six months till the next show!

 

Not a huge shop but there is still Iron Horse hobby haus in downtown Reading.  No tinplate except occasional used stuff. I grew up on this store so I still throw them some business, including an occasional repair.

I'm in the "new and shiny" league myself, so most of the tinplate I have is of recent vintage, and some of it was sold to one individual prior to my move late last year. I still have a good amount of O tinplate though (mostly LCT and MTH) that I plan to sell in the near future while holding onto only a very few favorites. Even with a dedicated and decent-size train room and lounge area, I have run out of layout, display, and storage space.

My earlier buying pretty much all was done at a local train store, at York, and via e-mail or online orders with several dealers around the country. I avoid eBay and auction sites, although I was an early eBay seller and buyer. Haven't used them for years now...too much hassle and too many fees. I nowdo most of my selling via our forum or personal contacts.

All three (ebay, shops, shows) for me but I'm fortunate to have access to all of them in northern New Jersey.  Greenberg's quarterly shows in Edison are 45 minutes south; the National Collector's Club's quarterly Wayne show is 30 minutes north; I help run the semi-annual Metca show 30 minutes west in East Rutherford (early April and November; please come visit when you're in town); The Train Station store, 30 minutes west in Mountain Lakes, carries lots of pre- and post-war at sometimes reasonable prices.  We may be known as the armpit of the nation but, boy, do we got trains!!

George S posted:
Dennis Holler posted:

I would say that Ebay has made it possible for me to buy a few specific European trains that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to own.  I mean Ebay Germany and Ebay France for example.

 

I bet Rob English can tell you which store I'm talking about. 

It's Train Town on Manchester, just SW of downtown.

George

Now George, why would you give EVERYBODY the name of my haunt?  

Seriously folks, Traintown here in St. Louis is a prewar and postwar specialist... their inventory turns pretty good due to their prices. Prewar comes and goes, the nicer stuff gets snapped up pretty fast, and they maintain a large postwar inventory.

Last edited by OGR CEO-PUBLISHER
Cincytrains posted:

As an addendum, two Thursday's ago I was in Philly and hit Hennings. They have a FANTASTIC parts and repair department. They had a new MPC driver for my Blue Comet, couldn't believe it. But, while I was waiting one of there employee's was working on parts orders. He had about 20 sheets of people's orders and he said it is like that every day. This was just an observation.

Hennings is an amazing store. Harry and his folks helped me out with the switcher that I posted the picture of (and I created a topic about its return from the dead line). They are so honest...I still think they charged me in 1939 prices! 

Tom 

It seems hobby shops are in with the trend of the passing of brick and mortar stores. I deal with one area hobby shop that is 30 miles away, another that's 15 miles but more difficult to get too. As traffic keeps getting worse around Seattle I find myself doing a lot more purchasing online from a store all the way across the country in Virginia, Ebay, and train shows.

Same thing goes for hot rod parts, I purchased a transmission last year having it shipped from Florida to get the features I wanted at a price I could afford. Harley parts much the same way I just got some parts from Brooklyn, New York for a way better price including shipping and Wa. state tax than I could get locally. In fact I got some automotive toggle switches, panel lights, switch cover guards, Weather Pack connectors, and brass fittings from China for a quarter to a third the cost of these same parts at local stores with same day, free shipping. So I'm reaping the financial rewards of all those American companies that moved to China and taught them all about modern materials and manufacturing.

I guess I'm part of the problem but electronic shopping from all over the country, if not the world, sure is easy, saves money, and given what it takes to drive around a modern American city saves a ton of time. I even changed dentists as he was 30 miles in the opposite direction from my work which is 30 miles from my home that is located between the two. Used to be no big deal years ago, but the city has grown big time and that 60 miles has gone from an hour drive to 3 or 4 or more which is a time beating I just can't tolerate. So adjustments have to be made.

Wandering through Sears the other day it came to me that 20 years ago they should have ditched the clothes, housewares, and jewelry for an indoor lumber yard. Instead the Captians of Industry that run that operation sold off the parts that made money like DieHard, Craftsman, and Kenmore to finance the parts that don't and probably never will make money.  I expect there will be a continuing place for Home Depot, Lowes, and Menards simply because the stuff they sell is sometimes difficult to ship by mail.

Bogie

Yard sales and Craigslist. I have learned to go straight to the person running the yard sale, and ask, "Do you have any old electric trains, or do you know anybody that does." That generic question got me a "no" response last summer, but a lady who was just visiting said, "Well, I do!" Long story short, that's how I became the third owner of a 1937-38 Blue Comet set, complete with history and names!

Craigslist works too, but as with yard sales, you have to be Johnny on the spot! 

I hit ten or so train shows throughout the year, but they yield mostly parts for me

I can't believe I would have a chance to see OGR greats George S. and Dennis Holler at Train Town! 

I live near Train Town and stop in every Friday afternoon when I drive my daughter to lacrosse practice.  It is the only store where I've actually seen prewar tinplate trains.  Also, they have 1970's-modern O Gauge, in-the-box, rolling stock priced at $20-30.  They appear to be big into buying collections and then (get this) selling the inventory .  So I usually walk out of there with at least one O Gauge car.  However, while I admire their prewar tinplate, I don't buy any of it.  I stick with modern repros.  All of my tinplate (and almost all O Gauge for that matter) is from eBay, OGR, train shows, or forum sponsors.

Anyway, regarding Train Town, it's a tiny strip mall storefront but looks can be deceiving.  The place is packed with inventory.  There are only two narrow aisles leading from the front door to the cash register.  That is all postwar/prewar.  There is a small back/sideroom that contains all the modern stuff.  When I first discovered it (a few weeks ago) I was prepared to be underwhelmed based on the look and size.  Now it's the only LHS I go to.  It's run by a couple of brothers and a sister.  They are very nice, welcoming, and accommodating (another LHS scarcity IMO).

Last edited by MikeH
Rob English posted:
George S posted:
Dennis Holler posted:

I would say that Ebay has made it possible for me to buy a few specific European trains that I would otherwise not have had the opportunity to own.  I mean Ebay Germany and Ebay France for example.

 

I bet Rob English can tell you which store I'm talking about. 

It's Train Town on Manchester, just SW of downtown.

George

Now George, why would you give EVERYBODY the name of my haunt?  

Seriously folks, Traintown here in St. Louis is a prewar and postwar specialist... their inventory turns pretty good due to their prices. Prewar comes and goes, the nicer stuff gets snapped up pretty fast, and they maintain a large postwar inventory.

I know Rob... Train Town is a real gem! I debated keeping it to (ourselves), but I don't get down there enough and neither will most folks. My daughter just graduated from WUSTL and my son just enrolled at SLU, so I have my reasons to be in St Louis.

Sorry for giving away the secret!

George

Last edited by OGR CEO-PUBLISHER
beachhead2 posted:

I can't believe I would have a chance to see OGR greats George S. and Dennis Holler at Train Town! 

I live near Train Town and stop in every Friday afternoon when I drive my daughter to lacrosse practice.  It is the only store where I've actually seen prewar tinplate trains.  Also, they have 1970's-modern O Gauge, in-the-box, rolling stock priced at $20-30.  They appear to be big into buying collections and then (get this) selling the inventory .  So I usually walk out of there with at least one O Gauge car.  However, while I admire their prewar tinplate, I don't buy any of it.  I stick with modern repros.  All of my tinplate (and almost all O Gauge for that matter) is from eBay, OGR, train shows, or forum sponsors.

Anyway, regarding Train Town, it's a tiny strip mall storefront but looks can be deceiving.  The place is packed with inventory.  There are only two narrow aisles leading from the front door to the cash register.  That is all postwar/prewar.  There is a small back/sideroom that contains all the modern stuff.  When I first discovered it (a few weeks ago) I was prepared to be underwhelmed based on the look and size.  Now it's the only LHS I go to.  It's run by a couple of brothers and a sister.  They are very nice, welcoming, and accommodating (another LHS scarcity IMO).

Beachhead2,

I can't believe you referred to me as one of the "OGR greats"!?? I love this forum, but there are many here with much more experience and better collections than me. Thank you for noting me though...

Train Town is indeed a great place. Did I mention the prices? Oh, I can't give all the secrets away. You will need to go and check them out. Great people!

George

O Gauge only. I dont run standard gauge yet.

My only set I  bought was from Jims trains years ago, MTH Xmas train love the bright colors, the new train effects. I have joined the MTH CLUB and brought several tinplate traditions from the club over the years. A nice tank car I just received info on has my # on it.

I did buy a few pieces. from Marios last year .

George S posted:
 
I can't believe you referred to me as one of the "OGR greats"!??
 

I'm still pretty new here.   The new guy thinks folks who chime in fairly regularly are experts.  So are you telling me you're not the Steve Eastman of the midwest as I assumed?  I did learn from this thread that the great Rob English is a denizen of these parts!

BTW George, Wash U!  Congratulations to her and you.

beachhead2 posted:
George S posted:
 
I can't believe you referred to me as one of the "OGR greats"!??
 

I'm still pretty new here.   The new guy thinks folks who chime in fairly regularly are experts.  So are you telling me you're not the Steve Eastman of the midwest as I assumed?  I did learn from this thread that the great Rob English is a denizen of these parts!

BTW George, Wash U!  Congratulations to her and you.

Yes, Rob English is your go to source for authentic tinplate. I think Dennis and me are just having fun. His train funds may be greater than mine.

Oh, don't even put Steve Eastman in the same sentence as the rest of us. 

George

George S posted:

Train Town is indeed a great place. Did I mention the prices? Oh, I can't give all the secrets away. <snip>

George

GEORGE FOR GOODNESS SAKE......STOP.  TALKING.  NOW.   I know we forumites like to share but, holy cow man  enough is enough.

Congrats on your raise, oh I mean your daughters graduation from WUSTL.  And your sons enrollment at my alma mater SLU.

 

Dont even come to TT with a fistful of cash.  There is nothing here anymore.... and its expensive.

I guess being in the Raleigh area is good for train shows anyway. There's usually 2 or 3 in the late fall, just in time for Christmas and then a couple more before spring. There's a vendor that comes to most of the shows that remembers me and always tries to have some Marx on hand to tempt me with!  lol  Not much for hobby shops anymore.

I do buy some from eBay, but usually rolling stock or scenic type items. I kinda like to kick the tires and take a test drive with motive power so it is usually acquired at the shows.

If not eBay, I usually shop one of our OGR sponsors, or toytrain.info, Ray Ellen at trainmarket.com, Walt Hiteshew at toytrainsandguides.com and all of the facebook and yahoo for sale pages such as the AvailableOgauge yahoo page.

I also watch Stout and Ralston auctions and Dakota Paul. When all else fails I email Papa Eastman. :=}

 

Being in north central Indiana, we are blessed with several shops, 2 locally here in Kokomo, both get in older trains from time to time.  One is way overpriced and not customer friendly, other can be depending who you deal with.  Down in Indianapolis is better with Train Central and Zionsville Train Depot getting in second hand items at good prices.  However the bulk of mine come from Ebay, online dealers Vintage Hornby(Mike Delaney) and Station Masters Rooms and shows I attend.  Cheapest/best deals have been at shows lately.  But the online part allows me to find the UK style tinplate that I am wanting to start collecting/operating.  I also keep my eyes open a the local fleamarket/antique malls when my wife and I get our walking in.  Sometimes I find something.       Mike the Aspie

 

I buy mostly collections of stuff from the attics and basements of folks who are moving or doing a cleanout.  I fix them up and sell on EBay.  Stuff for my own small collection, I’ll buy mostly on EBay but some at train shows – like impulse purchases of three 259E’s or a 397 that I know I can cleanup, fix and double my money on eBay.

As I look at my EBay sales and wonder why did someone pay so much, I see destinations that indicate the buyer didn’t have ready access to train shows – like Huron, SD and Amarillo, TX.

EBay is a great market from a seller’s point of view.  A quick look at my sold items list shows I’m doing 30 to 40 per month no wonder my wife is complaining about shop  time in the basement J

I’m glad to pay 13% of my sales to EBay and PayPal.  Easy billing and collection, no credit risk, automated packing lists and shipping labels with postage.  All I have toi do is pack the item safely – THERE’s THE BIG CHALLENGE – Thi9nk of how many sizes and shapes and trying to minimize weight to save on postage.

I'm in north Jersey so I'm lucky to have a few options. I do buy a lot from eBay, sometimes they are the only location for a piece or part. But I hardly ever walk away from a local show empty handed. Whether it's Allentown (a little bit of a drive but not bad) or my local TCA show, I can always find something. 

Most of the local hobby shops have closed over the years but I do have a few good ones left. For new stuff and track, I have Mt Lakes Train Station which is less then 10 miles away. And right down the road, for original prewar high quality pieces I have the Train Collectors Warehouse, which has an incredible selection of prewar items.

Last edited by samdjr74

     I do a bit of everything. Most of my "old" tin comes from eBay and train shows and flea markets. If one of my two local train shops has new tin in stock or can get it from MTH, I buy from them. If there is something out of stock but on the product locator, I buy online. Last resort for that is the bay.

     Ironically, one of my two local shops is also my primary online source. I can often get better deals, including shipping, from Mario's online than walking into the store.

I was just at the German Trading Post in Admastown , Lancaster County, PA.  It is an antique mall, there is a ton of trains and there is a dealer that has a some primo Standard Gauge Lionel. He has the Blue Comet, green State set with the 4 cars, a 408 loco. A lot of nice postwar. I bought a couple of MPC Cracker Jack cars new for $18 each. His prices are very fair and he is negotiable. Check it out if you are into Standard.

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